Culinary Field Chef

Job Title: Culinary Field Chef

Classification: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Culinary

Job Summary:

The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs, ensuring consistent execution of Vallarta standards. This role provides hands-on operational support, coaching, and culinary expertise to Kitchen Managers and foodservice teams, while driving sales growth, product consistency, and an exceptional guest experience across all locations.

This position serves as a key field resource, supporting menu execution, recipe adherence, training, and operational improvements. The Culinary Field Chef collaborates closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams to support menu development, product rollouts, and company-wide culinary initiatives.

The role plays a critical part in new store openings, training execution, and ongoing operational support, with approximately 80% of time spent in field locations.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide culinary and operational support across all foodservice concepts (Taqueria, Tortilleria, Restaurants, etc.)

Coach and support Kitchen Managers on execution, standards, and guest service

Ensure consistency in recipes, portioning, presentation, and flavor profiles

Lead training and field execution of new menu items and programs

Support product development and assist with implementation in the field

Identify operational improvements to improve cost, efficiency, and quality

Reinforce company standards, culture, and guest experience expectations

Monitor performance and support business initiatives aligned with company goals

Operational Responsibilities:

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards

Support food cost control, inventory, and operational reporting

Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and efficiency

Assist with new store openings, remodels, and training execution

Ensure consistency of recipes, procedures, and training materials

Assist with staffing, onboarding, and team development as needed

Food Quality & Compliance:

Enforce recipe adherence, portion control, and food quality standards

Maintain HACCP compliance and food safety procedures

Monitor temperature control, storage, and handling practices

Conduct quality checks for taste, appearance, and consistency

Customer Service & Experience:

Deliver and model Vallarta's Nuestra CASA service standards

Support strong guest satisfaction and service execution

Address customer feedback professionally and promptly

Team Leadership & Development:

Provide coaching, training, and development to culinary teams

Promote accountability, teamwork, and performance standards

Partner with leadership on performance and operational needs

Collaboration & Communication:

Support operations across Taqueria, Prepared Foods, Juice Bar, Grab & Go, and Catering as assigned.

Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding production needs, shortages, or operational challenges.

Ensure timely escalation of issues that may impact food safety, quality, or service.

Safety:

Enforce all safety procedures and proper equipment use

Report incidents and maintain safe working conditions

Ensure adherence to company policies and standards

Other Duties:

Support all current and future culinary programs

Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

Minimum 5+ years in culinary, restaurant, or multi-unit operations leadership

Strong experience in foodservice operations and team development

Experience in recipe development or multi-unit support preferred

Strong knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory controls

Ability to train and lead in a fast-paced environment

High School Diploma required; Culinary Degree preferred

Equivalent experience may be considered

Working Conditions:

Fast-paced kitchen and retail environment

Frequent standing, walking, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.)

Exposure to hot/cold environments and kitchen equipment

Moderate to loud noise levels

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is an exempt position. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, requiring flexibility in hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Approximately 80% of travel is required within the company's operating regions, including overnight stays. Mileage reimbursement is provided for approved business travel.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees may perform other duties as directed. All employees are expected to perform any reasonable task or request that is consistent with fulfilling company goals and objectives.